Chris Burns | Nyiyaparli Widi – Living Language Game

Nyiyaparli Widi is an interactive language learning game that helps users learn the Nyiyaparli Aboriginal language through engaging audio-based mini-games. Developed in Unity for Android, in partnership with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation.

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Date

August 04, 2025

Nyiyaparli Widi

Client: Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation
Role: Game Developer / 3D Modeller, Animator
Platform: iOS (iPhone & iPad), Android (Tablet & Mobile)
Tools: Unity, Figma, Blender, Inkscape

Nyiyaparli Widi is an educational language learning game developed to support the revitalisation and preservation of the Nyiyaparli language, spoken by the traditional owners of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. The app combines audio-based gameplay with visual cues to help users—particularly younger generations—learn key words, phrases, and cultural knowledge in a fun and interactive way.

As part of a culturally respectful and community-led initiative, the game reinforces language comprehension through collecting native animals and objects unique to the region and then completing a challenge test to progress to the next sector, unlocking new tools. I was responsible for the 3D modelling, animation, co-level design and game dev-related tasks.

The project was created in close collaboration with Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation and local language custodians, with the goal of creating an accessible and engaging tool for language revival and cultural transmission.

Download for free on Android

Download for free on iOS